SUBJECT:

All Campus Notification – Status of Improvements to New Traffic Signals

This winter, the traffic signals recently installed on campus as part of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) SuperLoop project enter the final phase of improvements; work is planned to begin within a month. Improvements include new bicycle friendly features as well as other modifications to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for all users.

· Library Walk crosswalk improvements. Conduit for new pedestrian signals was installed over the winter break. The flashing red signal will be converted to a traditional traffic signal allowing smoother traffic flow for drivers and bike riders at Gilman Drive and Library Walk. Six conveniently located pedestrian signals, with push-buttons for pedestrians to activate the WALK phase, will give pedestrians safe crossing intervals without vehicles.

· Traffic signal timing adjustments. The final stage consists of reducing the number of signal phases at the intersections which will shorten wait times for pedestrians and motorists. This requires rewiring and replacing several signal heads.

· Shared lane markings, or “sharrows.” These markings alert motorists to the possible presence of bike riders and indicate that people on bikes have the right to use the vehicle travel lane. Sharrows are planned for Gilman Drive between Russell Lane and Osler Lane. Before this work begins, we will send further information in the interest of safety for both drivers and bike riders.

· Assistive markings on traffic signal bicycle sensors. These pavement markings will indicate where a cyclist should position their bicycle at signalized intersections to trigger the traffic signal sensor. Please watch for more information on the use of bike sensors. We will communicate with the campus community prior to implementing these improvements. Your feedback has been very useful as we continue to work diligently with the SANDAG traffic engineers to fine-tune the traffic signals. We continue to welcome your comments.

For project inquiries and feedback, please contact UC San Diego senior planner Raeanon Hartigan at x25199 or rhartigan@ucsd.edu

For more information on the new traffic signals and SuperLoop construction on the UC San Diego campus, including a map, please visit:

http://physicalplanning.ucsd.edu/projects/Superloop.html

For additional information about the SuperLoop project, visit:

http:/www.sandag.org/Superloop

To plan a transit trip, visit:

http://transit.511sd.com/tripplanner/index.asp

Brian Gregory Associate Vice Chancellor